Hear the story behind the opera. Join us at the Arts Centre 45 minutes before this performance, when a member of Opera Australia's artistic team will share their insights into the opera. Held in the Stalls Foyer near Door 2 of the State Theatre, this informal, informative talk will help you to get the most out of your opera experience.

This is an audio described performance for those with vision impairments. Audio-described bookings can only be made through Opera Australia by calling the Box Office in Sydney on 02 9318 8200, Melbourne on 03 9685 3700 or by emailing ticketing@opera.org.au

Hear the story behind the opera. Join us at the Arts Centre 45 minutes before this performance, when a member of Opera Australia's artistic team will share their insights into the opera. Held in the Stalls Foyer near Door 2 of the State Theatre, this informal, informative talk will help you to get the most out of your opera experience.

New production

A Magritte, a van Gogh and a Goya walk into a gallery…

If Rossini made a showreel of his best work, it would sound like Il Viaggio
a Reims (The Journey to Reims). The prolific composer was unabashedly
showing off when he wrote this incredible work, destined to dazzle the aristocracy
at the crowning of Charles X and then disappear forever. The simple plot is a marvellous
excuse for a string of fantastic arias and impressive ensemble pieces.

Because it’s so demanding and expensive to stage, it’s never been seen
in Australia before. But in 2019, Rossini’s exultant opera finally makes its
Australian premiere, a spectacular vehicle for some of your favourite performers.

In Damiano Michieletto’s playful take, the eccentric cast of characters find
themselves in a gallery filled with the master works of art history. Velázquez’s
enormous dresses jostle for space with Keith Haring’s cheerful murals. Frida
Kahlo and van Gogh compare self-portraits. It’s a surreal world, where artworks
step out of the frame and come to life the moment the lights go out.

Delightful, surprising, spectacular and frivolous, this co-production with Dutch
National Opera and the Royal Danish Theatre is a perfect foil for Rossini’s
jubilant score.

Gaze at the world’s most famous art through the magnificent (and thoroughly
tongue-in-cheek) sets and costumes. Paolo Fantin and Carla Teti have recreated iconic
works with remarkable fidelity.

Young Australian conductor Daniel Smith makes his long-awaited debut with Opera
Australia, bringing his characteristic sparkle in the pit to a huge cast of talents.

Dine before the opera at Arts Centre Melbourne

Let us make it easy for you with
pre-performance dining at Café Vic at Arts Centre Melbourne. You'll
be served a themed set menu, including matched wine. View
the menu.

Simply add the dining option to your cart after selecting tickets. If you already
have tickets, sign in to your account to add
dinner to your existing booking or call 03 9685 3700.

Subscribe to the opera in 2019 and come with us on an inspiring journey...

You can chart a course through love and passion and despair (this is opera, after
all), or walk on the wild side with the devil himself. You can laugh and revel in
extraordinary talent or gasp your way through horror stories. Our 2019
Melbourne season leaves no corner unexplored. Choose
three or more productions to unlock a subscriber discount, along with exclusive
benefits throughout the year.